Key facts
- Thousands marched in Kyiv on August 16 demanding the reinstatement of ex-Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
- Fedorov was dismissed by President Zelensky in mid-July.
- Protesters aim to remind the president of the importance of dialogue and accountability for personnel decisions.
- Fedorov was praised for reforms and expanding Ukraine's drone capabilities.
- President Zelensky offered Fedorov a prominent government position focused on technology, which he rejected.
- Fedorov insists on returning only as defense minister.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Kyiv on August 16 to demand the reinstatement of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, over a month after his dismissal. The protesters assembled at the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People, with organizers stating the march serves to "remind the president of the importance of dialogue between the authorities and society, as well as of the fact that the president himself must bear responsibility for the consequences of all questionable personnel decisions."
Fedorov, who was lauded for his reforms and advancements in Ukraine's drone capabilities, was unexpectedly fired by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a government reshuffle in mid-July. Since then, protests have occurred in Kyiv and other cities, with demonstrators calling for Fedorov's return to his post.
The latest march coincides with the Ukrainian parliament's scheduled return from its summer recess on August 18. Protesters are awaiting President Zelensky's decision on whether to officially nominate acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara. Zelensky has not directly addressed the protesters' demands regarding Fedorov, leading to an impasse.
While the protests have seen a decrease in momentum, particularly after Zelensky's dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Fedorov's future remains uncertain. Zelensky had previously offered the former minister a significant role focused on strengthening Ukraine's technological sector, potentially as deputy prime minister for military innovations or head of the state-owned defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom. However, Fedorov has rejected these proposals, making it clear his sole desire is to return as defense minister.